How to Use Trekking Poles as Tent Poles
Trekking-pole-supported shelters eliminate dedicated tent poles, saving 8–16 oz. Your poles do double duty: hiking aid by day, shelter structure by night.
How It Works
Instead of traditional aluminum or carbon tent poles that form hoops or A-frames, the tent or tarp attaches to your trekking poles, which stand vertically or at an angle to create the shelter structure.
Common Configurations
Single-Pole Center Support (Pyramid / Mid)
- One pole in the center of the shelter
- The tent fabric drapes around it like a pyramid or tipi
- Guy lines and stakes tension the perimeter
- Examples: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, Gossamer Gear The One
Setup:
- Stake out the perimeter of the shelter in a triangle or square
- Insert one trekking pole (set to the correct height) in the center
- Place the pole tip in the grommet or hook at the peak
- Adjust stakes and guy lines until the fabric is taut
Dual-Pole A-Frame
- Two poles at each end of a ridgeline
- Creates an A-frame shape
- Most common configuration for lightweight tents
- Examples: Durston X-Mid, Tarptent Double Rainbow, Zpacks Duplex
Setup:
- Stake out the four corners
- Set both trekking poles to the specified height
- Insert poles at each end of the tent
- Tension the ridgeline (some tents have internal, some external)
- Adjust stakes and guy lines for taut pitch
Tarp A-Frame
- Two poles support a tarp ridgeline
- The simplest and lightest shelter configuration
- Examples: Any rectangular or shaped tarp
Setup:
- Set poles to matching heights
- Attach the tarp ridgeline tie-outs to the pole tips
- Stake the pole bases firmly
- Stake out the perimeter
- Adjust for weather (lower one side for wind, angle for rain)
Pole Sizing
Most trekking-pole tents specify the required pole height:
- Common heights: 120 cm (47"), 125 cm (49"), 130 cm (51")
- Adjustable trekking poles are essential — set them precisely
- Non-adjustable (fixed or folding) poles work if they match the required height
Tips for Success
Stability
- Use the pole tip in a basket on soft ground to prevent sinking
- On rock, use a rubber tip for grip
- Angle poles slightly inward (1–2 degrees) for better wind resistance
- Ensure the pole locking mechanism is tight — a collapsing pole at 3 AM collapses your shelter
In High Wind
- Use all guy lines (many hikers skip them in fair weather — do not skip in wind)
- Use deeper stake angles (45 degrees into the ground, leaning away from the tent)
- Add rocks on top of stakes in hard or sandy ground
- Consider additional guy lines from the peak for extra stability
When You Need Your Poles at Night
Rarely an issue since poles are inside/under the shelter. If you need to leave the tent, the shelter stays up — you just cannot easily reposition a pole from outside.
Weight Savings
| Shelter Type | Shelter Weight | Dedicated Poles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional tent | 2.5 lbs | Included | Baseline |
| Trekking pole tent | 1.5 lbs | 0 lbs (use hiking poles) | ~1 lb |
| Tarp | 0.5–1 lb | 0 lbs (use hiking poles) | ~1.5–2 lbs |
Since you already carry trekking poles for hiking, the shelter weight drops dramatically. This is the foundation of ultralight shelter strategy.
Popular Trekking Pole Shelters
| Shelter | Weight | Config | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durston X-Mid 2P | 2 lbs 4 oz | Dual pole | $250 |
| Tarptent Notch Li | 1 lb 5 oz | Single pole | $350 |
| Zpacks Duplex | 1 lb 5 oz | Dual pole | $670 |
| Six Moon Lunar Solo | 1 lb 10 oz | Single pole | $265 |
| Gossamer Gear The One | 1 lb 3 oz | Single pole | $285 |
Recommended Products
Based on this guide, here are some top-rated products to consider:
- Leki Hemp One Vario Trekking Poles - Pair ($280)
- LEKI Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles ($250)
- LEKI Crosstrail Fx Superlite Compact Trekking Poles ($250)
- MSR Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter : 4-Person 4-Season ($380)
- MSR Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter : 4-Person 4-Season ($380)
- SPATZ Wing Tarp Shelter ($326)
- Kammok Kuhli XL Group Tarp Shelter ($250)
- Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Shelter ($229)